Chapter 123

"Young lady, why play dumb at this point?" The middle-aged woman eyed her sideways, growing more impatient. She turned to scold Natalie Stapleton. "Look at her—same age as you, yet so much more cunning. And you? Almost lost your baby from sheer carelessness during the wedding."

Natalie twisted her fingers. "Mom, it really was an accident..."

"An accident? More like sheer stupidity—never mind. Not the time with outsiders present. Just stay put."

Natalie, ever docile, fell silent under her mother-in-law's reprimand, bowing her head lower.

Evelyn Carter frowned and turned to instruct Olivia Lightfoot. "Check Natalie's blood pressure."

"Got it."

Olivia approached the bed with the blood pressure cuff, speaking softly. "Tell me if you feel unwell." She deftly secured the strap.

Natalie bit her lip and nodded.

"140 over 90—slightly elevated. Keep calm." As Olivia finished speaking, the door swung open again.

"Auntie Stapleton~"

The middle-aged woman's face lit up. "Oh, Annabelle! You grow lovelier by the day."

Simon Stapleton trailed in with armfuls of gifts, grinning. "Mom, it's Mrs. Hamilton now."

"Right, right! Mrs. Hamilton! That belly... must be due soon?"

"Not for a while yet."

"That shape means a bouncing baby boy!"

Annabelle covered her mouth with a delicate laugh. "Your blessing means everything."

"In all my years, I've never been wrong! The Hamilton heir will inherit everything!"

A flicker of pride crossed Annabelle's eyes. "He's still young. Who knows if he'll have the talent..."

"With you and Mr. Hamilton as parents? Impossible!"

Olivia suddenly cut in. "Genetics are unpredictable. What if he takes after the wrong side—"

Annabelle's smile froze. Spotting Evelyn, her expression cooled. "Dr. Carter making rounds?"

Evelyn nodded. "Routine check."

"Ran into you at the supermarket yesterday. Quite a coincidence—Dempsey residence isn't nearby, is it?"

"Since when do supermarkets restrict customers by address?"

With the Stapletons present, Annabelle's face darkened. "I meant you always seem to appear near Alexander."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Was Mr. Hamilton grocery shopping too yesterday?"

"He had business nearby."

"Consider installing a radar on him. Set the radius to three miles—alarm triggers if I enter the zone." Evelyn's tone remained even.

Tension crackled in the air. Natalie spoke up timidly. "Mrs. Hamilton, my father invited Evelyn to the wedding. She was supposed to be on duty—"

"Miss Stapleton," Annabelle cut in icily, "don't speak on matters you don't understand."